Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko received New Year’s greetings Monday from other imperial family members and state dignitaries.

“I am very pleased to celebrate New Year together,” the emperor said at the ceremony at the Imperial Palace. “At the beginning of the year, I pray for the nation’s development and the happiness of the people.”

The emperor and empress received New Year’s greetings from Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko, and other imperial family members.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, ministers of his cabinet and other state dignitaries also greeted the emperor and empress. On Tuesday, the emperor will receive New Year’s greetings from the general public at the Imperial Palace.

Emperor Akihito also offered his annual New Year’s greetings to thousands of well-wishers who gathered at the Imperial Place on Tuesday.

I am truly pleased to celebrate the new year with you. I wish for the happiness of people in our country and peace in the world.

The Emperor spoke from the balcony, as I suppose all emperors seem to do, of the Chowa-Den wing of the Palace overlooking the crowd. Empress Michiko and other imperial family members including Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako as well as Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko, were present and waved their hands.

A total of 44,600 people were estimated to have visited the palace during the Emperor’s speech on Tuesday.